Victory against Hungerford in a one-off South and South West Division final on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 (3pm) will clinch a third successive promotion for the Martyrs.

Merthyr Town are planning to maintain a drive for success no matter what happens in their EvoStik Southern League play-off final at Berkshire club Hungerford Town.

Victory against their hosts in a one-off South and South West Division final on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 (3pm) will clinch a third successive promotion for the Martyrs.

The club has been run by a supporters trust since their demise three years ago when they hit major financial problems and were relegated three divisions.

A win against Hungerford would take Merthyr back to the Southern League Premier, which is the level they were playing at before their disastrous plunge.

Fans have focused on lifting their club back to previous heights and club official Anthony Hughes says: “It would be a fantastic achievement to earn another promotion.

“We have an opportunity to get back to Southern League Premier football in the shortest possible time and that was beyond our wildest dreams when we set out three years ago.

“It’s been a remarkable journey and, no matter how we fare at Hungerford, even reaching the final is a fantastic achievement and a massive credit to out management team (Garry Shephard and Danny Carter).

“Team spirit is a huge factor and this team have lost only two away matches all season. We are already proud of what this group of players has achieved and a win at Hungerford would be a magnificent finale.

“There were times when our club was close to going out of existence and a lot of people have pulled together to make our astonishing progress possible.”

Champions Poole Town earned the only automatic promotion place available, while Merthyr overcame Swindon Supermarine and Hungerford won against Paul Rovers in the play-off semi-finals.

Now the rivals clash on Monday with the prize of a place in the Premier League at stake.

Merthyr have won the Western League Division One and Premier titles over the last two seasons, while they have also made major progress off the pitch.

There are plans to install a 3G pitch for next season, part of dramatic improvements around the stadium. The clubhouse, car park and stands are all in line to be upgraded.

Hosts Hungerford are preparing to welcome a big crowd to their Bulpit Lane home on Monday with hundreds of fans making the trip from Merthyr.

Merthyr completed a league double over Hungerford this season, winning 4-0 at Bulpit Lane and 3-0 at Penydarren Park.

“Those games mean absolutely nothing,” says Hungerford manager Bobby Wilkinson. “This is a Champions League final as far as I’m concerned and we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”

Hungerford earned their first trophy of the season with a 3-0 win against Fleet Town 3-0 in the Basingstoke Senior Cup final in midweek, but they made a number of team changes.

Information on Merthyr club travel to Hungerford is available from Richard Bennett via e-mail at mtfc1982@hotmail.com or 07852 950486.

Coaches are planned to leave the law courts at 11.30am and all bookings will be confirmed by Richard Bennett before Monday.

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